Despite the age-old adage “Patience is a virtue,” you don’t always want to extend that kind of time to the results of your beauty products.
Rather than waiting weeks on end to see the line-smoothing action of a retinol cream or spend another day hoping that those post-inflammation acne marks will fade, check out products that users claim have instant payoff.
Keep reading to see reviewer-approved goods, like a professional-grade callus-removing gel, a truly game-changing bump-eraser, an anti-aging lip treatment and tons more.
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This exfoliating scrub, which has earned a cult following among people with all types of skin, is a fine pumice-based formula that functions closer to a microdermabrasion treatment. I have been a dedicated user of First Aid Beauty’s KP bump eraser for years as a way to instantly treat my incredibly stubborn and very obvious keratosis pilaris on my arms. Its ability to soften rough skin is probably primarily due to its 10% concentration of AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids. This category of chemical exfoliants can work to refine skin texture and slough off the dead skin cells that are responsible for those pesky bumps. The formula is also enriched with natural bisabolol, an antioxidant that offers soothing benefits post-exfoliation.
Promising Amazon review: “AMAZING instant results!! This stuff is amazing, I found it on Pinterest and decided to give it a try. I am 25, I’ve had these little strawberry bumps on my arms for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried other scrubs and lotions and had really given up and just accepted how my arms felt- bumpy and rough. But THIS STUFF!! After 2 showers using this on my arms, they are smooth. And when I put lotion on them, they felt like fresh shaved legs. I’m absolutely blown away. I can’t say enough good things. I’m so glad I found this before summer!!” — Court
Using a professional-grade and gel-powered formulation, Lee’s Callus Remover instantly transforms rough, cracked and thickened feet into smooth and hydrated heels in just one use. Apply the gel to the calloused areas, let sit for up to seven minutes, then use a pumice stone to remove dead skin.
Promising Amazon review: “Had extremely bad calluses and dead skin on the bottom of my feet for the longest. Seemed like nothing would work, I even tried a electric callus remover and still saw no results. I tried this and literally after using nearly a cap full of it my calluses and dead skin were instantly gone and I couldn’t be happier.” — Shiniqua Thomas
This hair treatment by L’Oréal claims to detangle, hydrate and add a dramatic level of shine (in just eight seconds) to unruly dry hair. It uses lamellar water technology, moisturizing agents and amino acids. Delectably scented, completely weightless and sulfate-free, Elvive is suitable for all hair types, including hair that’s been color-treated.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I love this stuff. I have been using for about 8 months now. It smells good, it instantly makes my hair soft, my hair seems fuller, stronger and shiny. I still use conditioner after this though.” — Always
“This is actually one of my MUST haves!!!! It makes my hair so soft and silky instantly! My hair is really long so it tends to knot horrendously. I also recently did a curly perm so it’s dry and frail. But this product is a miracle worker because it adds so much softness and shine and most importantly, manageable lol. I can totally tell the difference from when i forget to use it” — Xelena D.
The Youthfull Lip Replenisher by Revision Skincare is a splurge-worthy product that has been a HuffPost favorite since former shopping editor Janie Campbell wrote about it last year. According to her, this peptide-rich lip treatment targets visible signs of skin aging using several peptides and “other research-backed ingredients like vitamins E and C and green tea that canwork well in tandem with peptides, plus very solid moisturizers like shea butter. I put it on overnight and let me tell you, I could actually tell a difference the very next morning,” Campbell said.
Promising Amazon review: “This stuff is magical. I’m 61 and I spend a lot of time in the sun. I even developed some freckles on my lips. I was looking for a lip treatment for overnight and this does not disappoint! I wake up with plump lips! Yes, it is sticky, but if that is the only drawback for having great lips, I’ll take it. I hope they never discontinue this product because it’s great.” — MXM
Retinol is one skin care ingredient that most dermatologists will say is essential for promoting cellular turnover and thereby promoting collagen production. This moisturizing and shea butter-based night cream is packed with more than just a couple of beloved hydrators like glycerin and squalane. It also contains an advanced retinol complex that aims to target everything from fine lines to loss of firmness to irregular skin texture.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I wouldn’t want to be without this product. I use it at night and as a primer, it takes 5 years off my face almost instantly.” — nico
“This is my 2nd tube. I noticed my age was showing through and have bought several products in the last few months to figure out my regimen, this definitely helped my under eye wrinkles. I also use it on my upper lip for the small crinkle lines and put it on my upper eye lid. I notice right away that it moisturizes and helps to defuse the wrinkles. Although I do still have some and it doesn’t get rid of them completely I also found if I use egg white that helps for an instant fix but I cannot stand the smell so am working on that part. Overall, it does help, last long too. I think I had my last tube for a month or more.” —Tammy
Reviewers call this bottle of hair-building fibers “a best-kept secret” for making hair appear instantly thicker while also concealing bald spots and grays. The fibers, which are made of a keratin protein, work by clinging to existing hair strands for a seamless look and a performance that’s resistant to rain, wind or sweat. It’s available in nine hair colors.
Promising Amazon review: “Wow…Instantly hides bald spots & makes hair appear thicker and fuller. As someone who is battling MPB (Male Pattern Baldness), I still have a head full of hair but from certain angles and lighting, you can directly see into my scalp from some spots (mostly in the frontal area). I’m currently using Minoxidil and Finasteride to help regrow my hair, and while I’m seeing good results so far (roughly 6-7 months in so far since starting), I still have some bald spots that have made me self-conscious and it definitely affects my self-confidence. This has instantly fixed that and everyone’s been commenting on how great and full my hair looks, and I have a 1:1 ratio between confidence and hair. My hair has been looking amazing ever since, so my self-confidence has also been through the roof!
Recently, dermatologists weighed in on why this temporary tightening eye treatment is so effective at reducing prominent under-eye puffiness and visible sagging in a matter of seconds. It’s mostly due to the firming cream’s inclusion of sodium silicates, which form a film on the skin that contracts once it’s dried. It essentially pulls the skin tight once the product dries down. There is a learning curve with the application process, according to many users, which is to only apply a very thin layer in order to avoid any white residue that some reviewers experienced.
Promising Sephora review: “If you’re looking for a quick and effective solution to tired eyes, I highly recommend it. It truly works wonders! From the first application, I noticed an immediate difference. The fine lines and puffiness around my eyes were visibly reduced within minutes, giving me a refreshed and youthful look. The product is easy to apply and dries quickly without leaving any residue. I love how it seamlessly fits into my morning routine, providing a smooth canvas for makeup. It’s like an instant eye lift without the hassle! What impresses me the most is how long the effects last. My eyes stay firm and bright throughout the day, making me feel confident and rejuvenated.” — iammaritzarod
Far off from those cakey concealers that crease and lay on thick to disguise under-eye circles, this brightener contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter to revive darkened under-eyes with a medium coverage and light pink shade that will counteract the blue tones of dark circles. It can be easily applied with your fingers, a makeup brush or sponge, and can be used underneath concealer or alone. It also comes in an adaptive orange-hued shade for deeper skin tones.
Promising Amazon review: “I was most definitely influenced into buying this but don’t regret it one bit. A small amount is instant fake-awake for me. This is perfect to hide my dark under eyes. I like that a small amount of product goes a long way so there is little creasing and it doesn’t look cakey. It’s perfect on it’s own but is even better under concealer.” — Jena P.
In addition to conditioning lashes, this buildable and lightweight primer preps eyelashes for mascara, adding an instantaneous boost to volume and length that surpasses regular mascara alone.
Promising Amazon reviews: “This has become a makeup staple for me. Just put this on before your mascara and it gives you instant lashes. If you were not blessed with ample eyelashes, this is for you. Recommend!” — Leah200363
“So great for those like me who have thin lashes that aren’t very long. I use this every day under the mascara of my choosing and it adds instant volume so you can get a good lengthening mascara to fit with it. It’s been a must-have in my makeup bag for years now!” — Lesleysing
Mighty Patch’s original pimple patches is one of the most-purchased patch options on Amazon and promises to blend seamlessly into skin using a translucent matte finish and an ultra-strong adhesion. Each box comes with 36 UV-sterilized and medical-grade hydrocolloid dots that draw out impurities and keep out bacteria.
Promising Amazon reviews: “I have to fight my horrible skin so much and this is one of those rare products that not only works, but works almost instantly. I will buy everything they put out for skincare from here on out. The amount of clogged pore gunk this little patch absorbs is incredible and to top it off it’s not gross or repellant at all. I will share these with everyone. Definitely my skin hero.” — Amanda Marie Williams
“Can barely see them, I wear them in public sometimes. Work great! I use them all the time on both visible blemishes as well as blemishes that have just started. They go away instantly.” — Haley
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This vitamin C serum has more than 27,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It features a botanical-led formula that is meant to impart radiance, moisture and plumpness to skin. Vitamin C is a trusted antioxidant that can protect skin against premature aging caused by environmental stressors. Additionally, the serum contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, calming aloe and ferulic acid for a smoother complexion with fewer dark spots.
Promising Amazon review: “Switched to this vitamin C serum a little over month ago and instantly saw my pores minimize and skin texture improve. Ordered another bottle already and can’t beat it for the price! Would definitely recommend especially if you have large pores and sensitive combination aging skin. I also love that it doesn’t have any scent to it.” — Jo
“Instantly felt a change to my skins texture from the first use. Skin is brighter and feels happier. Dark circles under my eyes have lightened and over all complexion has improved significantly after less than a week of daily use. Very good product and would highly recommend it.” — Abby Santos
This multitasking skin treatment is powered by albumin, something found in egg whites that can potentially improve skin elasticity. The slightly bizarre mask is applied, then, as it dries, dramatically tightens and lifts skin. Once it’s washed off, the Zombie Pack leaves behind a complexion that’s smoother, softer, deeply hydrated and with fewer visible pores.
Promising Amazon reviews: “This is the first time I’ve ever had Something work so well almost instantly!!! I love it!!!” — Jamie Lea
“Perfect to take with you when traveling because these are individual packets. Surprised by the instant result of tightening and smoothing. Perfect for an “at home” facial when you need a refresh. Smell doesn’t bother me. Will be buying more!” — Jennifer
A blend of botanical extracts, rosehip seed oil, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, B3 and pro-vitamin A in this eye cream help to deeply hydrate, brighten skin and address under-eye puffiness. Some reviewers claim that this fast-absorbing and all-natural formula by LilyAna Naturals improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helped them achieve a more youthful eye area.
Promising Amazon reviews: “First eye cream ever delivered instant amazing results and I’m in my 50s. I have spent thousands of dollars over the years only to feel disappointed and foolish. This cream actually delivers!” — Amazon customer
“I love this product! I saw instant results! Skin was tighter, more flawless looking and my acne even subsided! I am a serious natural product user so the fact that this product worked so well and smelled so great made me excited to buy more!” — makenzie ortego
We have long waxed poetic about the NuFace Trinity facial toning device, to say the least. And it’s also become a recurring favorite gadget among our readers. The microcurrent powers of the NuFace can help to visibly contour the face, brighten complexion and slightly reduce the appearance of some of the more deep-set wrinkles that might be plaguing you.
Promising Sephora review: “I have been using my NuFace for a few weeks now. I can’t start my morning routine without it now! I see instant results and have noticed the long term results, as well. Less lines and I feel my face looks more lifts. The app is amazing! Love how you can customize it and follow along step by step. Takes all the guessing out of it. I’m a huge fan and have already told a few people they NEED this, great Christmas present!” — ElyseJ